Press Releases

TESCO FIRST SUPERMARKET TO LAUNCH FAIRTRADE COTTON KNITWEAR AND DOUBLES RANGE OF FAIRTRADE COTTON SCHOOL UNIFORMS

22 February 2010

Tesco is aiming to become the number one in volume for Fairtrade cotton clothing as it continues to expand its Fairtrade clothing range. The retailer is the first supermarket to introduce Fairtrade cotton knitwear and is doubling its range of Fairtrade cotton school uniforms, bringing much needed benefits to farmers growing Fairtrade cotton in India and Africa.

In stores from the start of Fairtrade Fortnight, the stylish new knitwear collection is designed to appeal to a younger more fashion conscious customer as Tesco helps grow the market by making Fairtrade cotton clothing more accessible and appealing to more customers.

And in support of a campaign led by The People & Planet student group which aims for all UK schools to have Fairtrade cotton uniforms by 2015, Tesco is doubling the range of Fairtrade cotton school uniforms, with volume sales expected to grow by 85 per cent in 2010/11, making Tesco the UK's leading retailer for Fairtrade cotton school uniforms.

Terry Green, chief executive of Tesco UK Clothing said. “This is about offering customers greater choice at accessible prices making it easier for everyone to buy Fairtrade. Our move into Fairtrade cotton knitwear and doubling our Fairtrade school cotton clothing shows our continued commitment to the Fairtrade cause and further supports the 19,500 Fairtrade cotton farmers who supply us.”

The new women’s Fairtrade knitwear is available in the trendy ‘boyfriend’ style cardi in soft black or charcoal grey and at an affordable £12 is expected to be a fast seller.

To celebrate Fairtrade Fortnight from 22 February Tesco is running a number of promotions on Fairtrade Cotton Clothing including buy one, get one half price on men’s £10 Fairtrade Stonebay Polo shirts and £6 T-shirts, and two for £6 on all women’s £4 Fairtrade T-shirts. 

For more information contact Heleana Greeves at Tesco Press Office on 01992 644 346 or 01992 644645

Notes to editors:

Brief history of Fairtrade cotton in Tesco

• 2007 Launched Fairtrade cotton
• 2008 Expanded Fairtrade clothing into menswear and school uniforms
• 2009 Launched Fairtrade denim. Complete Fairtrade outfit available for the first time at Tesco
• 2010 First supermarket to launch full range of men’s and ladies Fairtrade knitwear
• Fairtrade cotton schoolwear range with prices from £5
• Fairtrade cotton knitwear starting from £12